What came first: decathlon or "world's greatest athlete

[Mellow Johnny]

Was the decathlon designed specifically to determine the "world's greatest athlete" or did that moniker come later?

[knockout]

I think back in the day athletes and media were a lot more modest.

"greatest" probably wasnt a word the old olympians used too much.

"best All-rounder" perhaps???

[no one]

King Gustav to Jim Thorpe?

[Walt Murphy]

King Gustav to Jim Thorpe?

"you, sir, are the world's greatest athlete"

To which Thorpe reportedly replied, "Thanks, King".

(1912 Olympics)

[lonewolf]

[quote=Walt Murphy]

King Gustav to Jim Thorpe?

"you, sir, are the world's greatest athlete"

To which Thorpe reportedly replied, "Thanks, King".

(1912 Olympics)[/quote:3cbpiman]

A perfectly proper response from a well mannered, fellow Indian from Oklahoma.

[john george]

[quote=lonewolf]

King Gustav to Jim Thorpe?

"you, sir, are the world's greatest athlete"

To which Thorpe reportedly replied, "Thanks, King".

(1912 Olympics)

A perfectly proper response from a well mannered, fellow Indian from Oklahoma.[/quote:gbw0bbrp]
This former Oklahoman thanks you. Should add, however, that Thorpe was about three-eights or maybe even half Indian -- typical in Oklahoma where at least a quarter of us have some American Indian genetic heritage, and don't much like the term Native American. Thorpe also was a very fine ice skater and archer (not at the same instant, of course). If one takes into account the time in which he competed, he was by far the greatest all-around athlete.
Best regards to Athletics devotees. John George